Cairo is a very well-known city. Famed for its history and architecture, many people around the globe visit the city every year. Also, the city is a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and modernity. On the one hand, you will see thousands and thousands-year-old pyramids and the Sphinx. While, on the other hand, you will notice tall buildings and city lights. Indeed, Cairo attracts a lot of attention to itself. Besides, wherever there are people, food follows. And that is what we are mainly here for. We bring you a list of the best restaurants in Cairo.
Nothing truly stays intact, other than culture and traditions. And even those remain fluid as people travel from one part of the world to another. Thus, in the same way, you will notice that Cairo has a large variety of cuisines to offer. Visitors can freely dig into the food culture of middle eastern food items. While, at the same time, you will also find anything from a Chinese takeout to an Indian Thali. Thus, without further ado, let us dive in.
Koshary Abou Tarek
“Best Restaurant in Cairo for Koshary”
It is always a busy day at Koshary Abou Tarek Restaurant, our first mention of the best restaurants in Cairo. You will find the diner thriving on Maarouf street. Located in a busy district of car mechanics, the restaurant stands right in the center of Downtown Cairo. If you were to visit the diner at night, it’d be impossible to pass it by without noticing it first. As soon as night falls, neon bulbs light up the whole restaurant and its surroundings.
Koshary Abou Tarek, like many other businesses in Cairo, is a family business. From the server to the manager, it is a one-family affair. It is evident from the pictures of the family members hung on the walls of the diner. Besides, it would be hard for anyone to grasp that Koshary started from a small cart.
If that was not enough of a shocking fact for you, Abou Tarek serves only one dish to its guests. And that is, the Koshary also Kushari and Koshari. To imagine that Abou has been running the diner through this single dish is appalling. Not only that, the restaurant is a whole three-story building. Thus, for many of its guests, the restaurant is among the best restaurants in Cairo.
The Koshary is a traditional Egyptian cuisine. It is a dish that consists of only vegetables and some carbs such as noodles or rice. Vegetables such as peas and lentils, onions, tomatoes, and vinegar make up the Koshary.
Maison Thomas
“Best Restaurant in Cairo for Thin-Crust Pizza”
Amid many Oriental diners, Maison Thomas is like a fresh summer breeze. It is because it brings variety to the Cairo food scene. No one would ever think that they would find a great pizza place out on the streets of Cairo.
The first thing guests notice is the diner’s decor. The restaurant, decked in brass items and glassware, offers yummy pizzas with a lovely ambiance. Maison Thomas started business in 1912. The diner excels in serving thin-crust pizzas. And, for anyone who is wondering if it is any regular American pizza. Then, you would be happy to know that it is not. Maison Thomas has its take when it comes to its pizzas.
It is not an Italian pizza, and neither is the pizza American. The diner gives an Egyptian twist to the thin-crust pizzas. We promise that you would never have had a pizza like this one ever before in your life. The texture is so different yet so tasty. Plus, the flavors are in harmony. Among many of its pizzas, the Margherita pizza is what its regulars come the most for. It is, by all means, among the best restaurants in Cairo.
Apart from the pizza, Maison Thomas is very famous for the Baltic Salad. It is a mix of smoked salmon, capers, potatoes, oil, and vinegar with boiled eggs. Besides, the diner also serves tasty desserts.
Fasahet Somaya
“Best Spot in Cairo for a Homely Feel”
The only word that comes to mind about the diner is ICONIC. For many of its daily visitors, it is among the best restaurants in Cairo. Situated in Downtown Cairo is the city’s very own Fasahet Somaya. It is a very well-known diner among the locals and visitors alike for its homemade items.
The owner, Somaya Al-Asyoty, excels in serving its guests a kind of food that touches their hearts. The food tastes beyond tasty; it tastes of home. That is what Fasahet Somaya has been able to achieve through its owner. And it’s not only the food but the entire vibe of the diner that gives a very homely feel.
The most exciting thing about Fasahet Somaya is the owner’s creativity. Indeed, the diner’s success is due to her love, zeal, and passion for cooking. Also, there is no such thing as a fixed menu at Fasahet Somaya. Every day Somaya ventures out to the market and buys ingredients. After that, she creates from scratch. For sure, the diner deserves mention in the list of the best restaurants in Cairo.
Birdcage
“Best Thai Restaurant in Cairo”
The InterContinental diner has everything going for itself. The hotel blesses Birdcage with great ambiance and a lively vibe. Indeed, it receives many of the hotel’s guests as its natural customers other than its crowd.
Birdcage is a pure Thai diner. It excels in serving Thai cuisines and dishes. From the moment you face the diner’s entrance, it becomes amply clear what it does best. The display of bluish water decors and top Asian style service are the trademarks of Birdcage. Your body is in Cairo, but your mind lingers on the Thai beaches. Indeed, it is among the best restaurants in Cairo.
Birdcage takes all your summer cravings and puts them on a plate. Plus, it prepares its dishes fresh. If you are in the mood for the Asian level spice, Birdcage is the spot for you. It does not joke around with its spice levels.
Among its specialties is the Whole Sea Bass. The diner wraps it in banana leaves and presents it in a very appealing way. If you have been to Birdcage, you would be happy to know that they added new items to its menu. Items such as Kai Hor Bao Toey are a great addition to the diner menu. The dish is the diner’s take on fried chicken. Also, served along with Pandan leaves, the chicken tastes even tastier. The restaurant, Birdcage, also added a dessert to its menu. It is a Molten Chocolate Cake served with Caramel. The dessert is the perfect item to order after a hearty meal.
Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant and Cafe
“Best Oriental Diner in Cairo”
The eatery spot has, time and again, made many go back over and over since its start. Many consider it one of the attractions in Old Cairo. If you are in the vicinity, you must visit Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant and Café. Indeed, it is no wonder that the diner is amid the best restaurants in Cairo.
The diner-café combo offers an escape from the busy streets of Khan el Khalili Bazaar. It may be evident by now that it pays homage to the Nobel Prize winner Naguib Mahfouz. He won the Nobel for his service and expertise in Literature in the year 1988. Soon after, in 1989, Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant and Café came into being.
The diner has a typical Arabic ambiance with an old Arabic tune playing throughout the place. The lingering smell of hookah in the diner’s halls is hard to miss. Also, during hot afternoons, you will notice each of its guests sipping on some iced lemon coolers. The other local name for these lemon coolers is Egyptian Hawawshi.
The cuisine menu is broad. The diner specializes in serving Oriental dishes. On top of that, the menu has the original names of the dishes in Arabic. Its specialty is the Chicken Kasbariya.
Besides, legends say the diner has the only hygienic toilet in the locality. Thus, that is, in a way, another plus point.
Posted by Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Café "operated by Oberoi Group" on Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Bab Al Qasr
“Best Restaurant in Cairo for Mix Grill Meat”
One of the best restaurants in Cairo, Bab Al Qasr serves oriental cuisine in its purest form. It is a hotel restaurant. It has a vibe that gives it an Egyptian and Levantine flavor. Also, it adds to it a natural spice mix. Bab Al Qasr lays the scene for classic dining in a chill ambiance. Also, it offers a live oriental session for its guests on select nights.
The diner is a great place to meet up with family and friends. Plus, guests can sample a large variety of the best Middle Eastern dishes. The restaurant setting evokes Arabian service.
For those who do not know, the unique eatery is not only for Lebanese cuisine. It also serves a wide range of Levantine treats. The diner’s menu includes dishes from Turkey, Lebanon, and even Syria.
Guests can make use of its massive space to hold parties and events. Also, the staff service is top-notch and caters to all your needs. As an initiation, each guest gets a glass of Jallab upon entering the diner. Jallab is simply a glass of rosewater with some carbs in it. If you visit Bab Al Qasr on an empty stomach, we advise you to order Bab Al Qasr Mix Grill. If you are feeling a little adventurous, you may order the Quail eggs or even Pigeon meat.
Mark your calendars for unforgettable Iftars at Bab Al Qasr restaurant.For reservations or enquiries, please call +2 010 9711 1151.#ARoyalGetaway #ARoyalRamadan #UnlockBabAlQasr
Posted by Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski on Wednesday, May 9, 2018
The Grill
“Best Elegant Diner in Cairo”
The Grill offers international cuisine with a touch of French influence. It Is located in InterContinental Cairo Semiramis hotel. There are three variations of starters, soups, main courses, and desserts on the menu. Also, the ambiance of the lovely hotel gives the diner a slight edge over other eatery spots. It offers The Grill both a chic look and a welcoming vibe.
The Grill has among the best views of the city and also of the River Nile. The Grill serves a complimentary amuse-bouche of grilled courgette wrapped in bolognese sauce. Plus, it also serves a breadbasket with tasty brown, onion, cheese, and white bread rolls. For the bread rolls, guests come back time and again. It features a sleek setting and a warm ambiance that blends style with need. Also, the interior speaks of elegance, with modern touches of classic Egyptian art. To no one’s surprise, it is among the best restaurants in Cairo.
Besides, the Grill pays homage to those who have had a part in the hotel’s history. Thus, the three private dining rooms took after their names. For instance, the late Konstantinos Bakalis inspired the name of the Bakalis dining room. He was famous as the former Chairman of Merlon Petroleum. The Bucher dining room honors the Bucher family. Lastly, the Violante dining room is for Luigi Violante. He was the historic Semiramis’s last Maitre D’hotel.
Zitouni
“Best Diner in Cairo for Ambiance”
The famed restaurant lies right in the center of Cairo’s luxe Four Seasons hotel. Besides, the unusual name most likely refers to “Olive-like” colors. The diner’s interior design is modern and chic. Plus, it features beige as the primary hue and trendy greenish chandeliers. Also, it has Andalusian arches and cozy golden blue seats.
The friendly and polite workers give you a strong sense of Egyptian service. Zitouni excels in serving a three-course meal. Also, starters and desserts are available at an open buffet. Plus, there is an a la carte menu for the main course.
Let us brag a little about the menu. The diner’s menu is simple, with the main course. Besides, depending on the season, the small menu differs from time to time. Guests can also select from a side tajin of Lebanese mezze and Egyptian specialties. Plus, the salad range is great, and the ‘Ringa slices’ are to die for. Locals consider it among the best restaurants in Cairo. Also, it has a dessert buffet, even though the range of oriental desserts is minimal. They serve freshly squeezed juice and fantastic coffee.
Zitouni has a classy ambiance. It provides the best service and serves delicious food in generous portions. Besides, you will enjoy tasty food as you take in the view of the River Nile.
Zööba
“Best Restaurant in Cairo for Shawarma”
Zööba is a Cairo-based Egyptian street food restaurant. It is a part of the Downtown Mall, which is in New Cairo.
The cuisine is a new take on the diner’s old favorites. Zööba offers delicious sandwiches, salads, and dips. Plus, it prepares food from scratch. The restaurant prepares its food items with the best ingredients. Besides, the food does not contain any added preservatives. They prepare easy, tasty, and modern dishes. Also, they mix the familiar with the unfamiliar.
Zööba creates an ambiance that pays homage to the Egyptian people. Also, the diner is famous for how creative the chefs are. It is because they come up with new and trendy recipes. Thus, in this way, Zööba can reflect the dishes of Egypt as a whole. It is no wonder, for many, it is among the best restaurants in Cairo.
Zööba’s vibe is a refreshing change of pace for its guests. The flavors are, to the core, vibrant. Also, each and everything seems to be new and in tune. The menu offers fantastic shawarma and salads. Also, spicy pepper Ta’ameya sandwich and Whole Grain Koshary are among the favorites. Thus, Zooba meets all the criteria for a traditional fast and casual eatery. You may order a wrap or food in a wrap for a quick and cheap lunch.
Nişantaşi
“Best Kebab Restaurant in Cairo”
Nişantaşi is Cairo’s most wealthy and trendy Turkish restaurant. It gets its name from a posh neighborhood on Istanbul’s European side. The restaurant provides a dining experience that is both relaxing and fun. Furthermore, its natural setting attracts tourists from all over the world. There is a lot to discover and appreciate on its menu. Also, the diner makes use of only the highest-quality ingredients for its food items.
On top of that, it uses cooking methods which are a blessing from its older generations. Tried and tested, these methods are vital in preparing the dishes. Thus, the result is a traditional Turkish fare. For such reasons, it is among the best restaurants in Cairo.
Along with its most famous traditional dishes, the restaurant serves its popular home-baked bread. It is even its signature dish. Thus, you will be able to sample some of Cairo’s finest Turkish cuisine.
Traditional side dishes such as Turkish kebabs and pita are available. And the soft bread and tangy sauces go with the beautifully seasoned lamb. Indeed, It melts in your mouth. It is a great place to hang out with family and friends. Also, it has a great selection of wine.
